C-5 Variable Feel Unit
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- FD20602600070
- Agency
-
Aviation
Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Defense
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 336413 Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
- Place of performance
- Fordhouses Wolverhampton United Kingdom
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Defense Logistics Agency Aviation is seeking to procure a Variable Feel Unit (VFU) for the C-5 Galaxy Aircraft, National Stock Number 1680-99-483-2212, Part Number CHA618-104A. The VFU is a critical hydraulic component that provides pilots with control feel forces and maintains stable power delivery to aircraft systems through controlled hydraulic pressures generated by valves and actuators. The government does not possess any technical data, drawings, or schematics for this item, as it was developed specifically for the C-5 Galaxy's mission and operational requirements. The procurement is intended as a sole-source award, and the contracting office is conducting market research to identify qualified sources with the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet production and qualification requirements. The pre-solicitation notice was posted on October 7, 2025, with a response deadline of October 15, 2025, providing interested parties an opportunity to express capability and interest before formal solicitation.
This procurement carries no set-aside designation and reflects an impediment to competition stemming from proprietary data ownership issues. The original equipment manufacturer, Goodrich Actuation Systems, transferred its technical data to Collins Aerospace, which subsequently transferred it to Safran Electronics & Defense, the anticipated sole-source contractor. The notice also identifies four related components requiring procurement: Monitoring Assembly (NSN 1680-00-222-2539), Diaphragm Assembly (NSN 1680-00-234-8183), Linear Electromechanical Actuator (NSN 1680-00-407-9157), and Control Assembly (NSN 1680-00-531-5858). The pre-solicitation does not specify contract value or quantity requirements in the available documentation, though the procurement supports the C-5 Galaxy Mechanical section. Other interested parties may submit capability statements to demonstrate their qualifications to compete for this requirement.
Notice text
2 versions
Update #2 · Latest ·
FROM: Paige Mosley / 409 SCMS / GUMA
TO: DLA Aviation Procurement Operations at WR (SPRWA1)
LOCATION: Robins AFB, GA 31098-1813
FBO Post Title: Intent to sole-source purchase of C-5 Variable Feel Unit
NSN Part Number Noun
1680-99-483-2212 CHA618-104A Variable Feel Unit
1680-00-222-2539 CHA618-570 Monitoring Assy, Variable
1680-00-234-8183 CHA618-313 Diaphragm Assy Variable
1680-00-407-9157 CH618-853 AL1028M15-1 Actuator, Electromechanical, Linear
1680-00-531-5858 CHA618-856 Control Assy, Variable
SUBJECT:
Market research is being conducted to identify potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements for qualification and production of the C5 Galaxy Aircraft Variable Feel Unit (VFU), NSN 1680-99-483-2212, PN CHA618-104A,
ITEM DESCRIPTION
The Variable Feel Unit (VFU) provides the pilot with normal feels forces as a function of impact pressure. The unit output is derived by controlled hydraulic pressures generated by a series of valves and actuators, which produce a centering effect on the pilot’s control columns. Four separate elevator surfaces hinge at the rear of the C-5 horizontal stabilizer and form the trailing edges of the stabilizer. The "Variable Feel Unit" (VFU) is used to control the aircraft's generators to maintain the stable and reliable power delivery to all systems on board, the VFU plays a crucial role in the aircraft's overall functionality and impertinent flight safety.
Impediment to Competition:
The original equipment manufacturer for this item is Goodrich Actuation Systems who sold their data to Collins Aerospace which sold their data to Safran Electronics & Defense. This item was developed specifically for the C-5 Galaxy Aircraft mission and operational requirements. The Government does not own any data, drawings, schematics, or any other releasable technical data in support of this requirement.
INTEREST
The DLA/AWB Contracting Office intends to award a sole source contract to Safran Electronics & Defense for the manufacture of the Variable Feel Unit in support of the C-5 Galaxy Mechanical section. Other interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement no later than 30 September 2025 to Paige Mosley and Jerry Latimer via email paige.mosley.1@us.af.mil and jerry.latimer@us.af.mil . The Government intends to procure these items using Other Than Full and Open Competition as prescribed by FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.
DISCLAIMER
This sources sought synopsis is for informational purposes only. This is not a request for proposal. It does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by the government. Responses in any form are not offers, and the government is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement. No funds are available to pay for preparation of responses to this announcement. Any information submitted by respondents to this technical description is strictly voluntary.
Update #1 ·
Sources Sought For C-5 Variable Feel Unit
(Intent to Purchase on Sole-Source Basis)
FROM: Paige Mosley / 409 SCMS / GUMA
TO: DLA Aviation Procurement Operations at WR (SPRWA1)
LOCATION: Robins AFB, GA 31098-1813
FBO Post Title: Intent to sole-source purchase of C-5 Variable Feel Unit
NSN 1680-99-483-2212
P/N CHA618-104A
Noun Variable Feel Unit
SUBJECT:
Market research is being conducted to identify potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements for qualification and production of the C5 Galaxy Aircraft Variable Feel Unit (VFU), NSN 1680-99-483-2212, PN CHA618-104A, PR FD2060-26-00070.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
The Variable Feel Unit (VFU) provides the pilot with normal feels forces as a function of impact pressure. The unit output is derived by controlled hydraulic pressures generated by a series of valves and actuators, which produce a centering effect on the pilot’s control columns. Four separate elevator surfaces hinge at the rear of the C-5 horizontal stabilizer and form the trailing edges of the stabilizer. The "Variable Feel Unit" (VFU) is used to control the aircraft's generators to maintain the stable and reliable power delivery to all systems on board, the VFU plays a crucial role in the aircraft's overall functionality and impertinent flight safety.
Impediment to Competition:
The original equipment manufacturer for this item is Goodrich Actuation Systems who sold their data to Collins Aerospace which sold their data to Safran Electronics & Defense. This item was developed specifically for the C-5 Galaxy Aircraft mission and operational requirements. The Government does not own any data, drawings, schematics, or any other releasable technical data in support of this requirement.
INTEREST
The DLA/AWB Contracting Office intends to award a sole source contract to Safran Electronics & Defense for the manufacture of the Variable Feel Unit in support of the C-5 Galaxy Mechanical section. Other interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement no later than 30 September 2025 to Paige Mosley and Jerry Latimer via email paige.mosley.1@us.af.mil and jerry.latimer@us.af.mil . The Government intends to procure these items using Other Than Full and Open Competition as prescribed by FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.
DISCLAIMER
This sources sought synopsis is for informational purposes only. This is not a request for proposal. It does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by the government. Responses in any form are not offers, and the government is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement. No funds are available to pay for preparation of responses to this announcement. Any information submitted by respondents to this technical description is strictly voluntary.
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